Cartridge Sleeve

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a cartridge sleeve configured to provide a better grip on a glass cylinder of a cartridge. The sleeve provides adequate protection to the glass cylinder from breaking if accidentally dropped or strikes on a hard surface. The sleeve is sized to stretch for inserting over the glass cylinder of the cartridge and provides securely grip during use. The sleeve could easily be removed and inserted to the replacement cartridges. The sleeve is configured to suitable for different sizes of cartridges. The sleeve comprises a plurality of slots and is molded into the body of the sleeve. The slots are configured to allow the user to check the substance or fluid level within the glass cylinder of the cartridge. The sleeve also conceals or disguises the substances and allowing more discreet use of substances. The cartridge is connected to a battery via a threading means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a cartridge sleeve. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cartridge sleeve configured to provide a better grip on a glass cylinder of a cartridge and an adequate protection to the glass cylinder.

B. Description of Related Art

Vaporizing has become a popular form of smoking in recent years. People using various devices such as vaporizers or vapes for vaporizing or atomizing smoking substances for inhalation. Plant substances are often and sometimes preferably used in the vaporizing process. A variety of smoking substances, such as tobacco, cannabis, herbal fruits, and flower heads are used depending on the individual's preference. The smoking substances also include combinations of liquids such as propylene glycol, glycerin, drugs nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

People using different devices such as vaporizer for vaporizing substances. The devices are powered by batteries to produce vapors and simulate the smoking. The resulting smoking using these devices is often termed as “vaping”. The devices are activated either by drawing on the mouthpiece or using a button located on the devices. The devices could produce an aerosol or a vapor that is inhaled by the user. The user has a wide range of substances and oils that are available to consume for inhalation.

Currently, there exist many forms of vaporizers, but one of the most common is the cylindrical type and also known as vaporizer. The major components of the vaporizer include, but not limited to, a mouthpiece, a cartridge or reservoir tank, a heating element or atomizer, a microprocessor, LEDs, and a battery. The cartridge is configured to store smoking substances and made of glass for visually gauging the amount of substance within it. The glass cartridges are often broken by accidents from falling or dropping the vaporizer or some other mishap that could break the glass. Once the glass is broken the cartridge must be replaced and the substance is no longer usable.

Currently, THC/CBD substances are supplied in 1.0 ml or 0.5 ml atomizers that screw on the end of a threaded rechargeable battery. These cartridges are made of glass so the user could observe the fluid level within the atomizer. The glass is slippery if it becomes damp or oily during use and the battery/atomizer assembly could be dropped. If it strikes a hard surface or dropped from a height, the cartridge could be cracked or completely shattered and lost the substance. If the battery/atomizer assembly is lying on a hard surface and is inadvertently struck with a hard object, the glass of the cartridge could break with a loss of substance.

Therefore, there is a need for a cartridge sleeve to secure the glass of the cartridge safe while providing the ability to still check the substance within the cartridge. Further, there is also a need for a cartridge sleeve to provide sufficient grip on the cartridge of the device for helping the user to prevent droppings or falling on a floor or ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a cartridge sleeve. Further, the present invention discloses a cartridge sleeve configured to provide a better grip on a glass cylinder of a cartridge and provides adequate protection to the glass cylinder.

According to the present invention, the sleeve will protect the glass cylinder from any impact such as dropping or striking on a hard surface. In one embodiment, the sleeve is made of a material, but not limited to, a flexible material. In another embodiment, the sleeve is made of a material, but not limited to, silicone rubber. In one embodiment, the sleeve is configured to suitable for different sizes of cartridges. In one embodiment, the cartridge could be, but not limited to, an oil cartridge, a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cartridge and a cannabidiol (CBD) cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge could be connected to 510 thread battery via a threading means.

In one embodiment, the sleeve is sized to stretch for inserting over the glass cylinder of the cartridge and provides securely grip during use. The sleeve could easily be removed and inserted to the replacement cartridges. In one embodiment, the sleeve could be supplied in many colors, and tightly grips the glass cylinder of the cartridge to provide a superior grip for the user, even if it is damp or oily.

In one embodiment, the sleeve comprises a plurality of slots. In one embodiment, the slots are molded into the body of the sleeve. The slots are configured to allow the user to check the substance or fluid level within the glass cylinder of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the sleeve has a slightly tapered shape that provides style, while the ability to stretch allows fitting most cartridges. The sleeve also conceals or disguises the substances within the glass cylinder and allowing more discreet use of substances such as, but not limited to, the THC and CBD substances. In one embodiment, the sleeve has a thickness of about, but not limited to, 0.100″. It cushions the glass cylinder from various impacts and improves the user's grip on the product.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cartridge held by a user using a cartridge sleeve on a glass cylinder in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cartridge sleeve positioned over the glass cylinder of the cartridge in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cartridge sleeve inserted over the glass cylinder of the cartridge in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of the cartridge sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows an end view of the cartridge sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the cartridge sleeve positioned on the glass cylinder of the cartridge in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) cartridge in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cartridge 102 held by a user 104 using a cartridge sleeve 100. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 is designed to provide a better grip on a glass atomizer cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) of the cartridge 102 and provide adequate protection for the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) from breaking if accidentally dropped resulting in loss of substance inside. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 is made of a material, but not limited to, a flexible material. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 will protect the glass cylinder 106 from any impact such as dropping or striking on a hard surface. The sleeve 100 also provides a more discreet usage when in areas that might be exposed to people while using. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 is configured to suitable for different sizes of cartridges. In one embodiment, the cartridge 102 could be, but not limited to, an oil cartridge, a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cartridge and a cannabidiol (CBD) cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge 102 could be connected to 510 thread battery 103.

The sleeve 100 securely grips the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) during use. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 could easily be removed and inserted to the replacement cartridges. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 could be supplied in many colors, and tightly grips the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) of the cartridge 102 to provide a superior grip for the user 104, even if it is damp or oily.

Referring to FIG. 2, the sleeve 100 sized to stretch for inserting over the glass cylinder 106 of the cartridge 102. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 is a molded part. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 includes a plurality of slots 108 (shown in FIG. 4A) molded into the body so the user 104 could see the substance or oil level within the glass cylinder 106 of the cartridge 102. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 could be supplied in, but not limited to, at least 6 vibrant colors and could be imprinted with logos, images for advertising purposes and other types of decorative applications.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sleeve 100 slidably inserted over the glass cylinder 106 of the cartridge 102. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 is made of, but not limited to, a silicone rubber material. The user 104 (shown in FIG. 1) could easily remove and insert the sleeve 100 over the glass cylinder 106 of the cartridge 102 without any effort. The sleeve 100 is strong and pliant. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 covers the glass cylinder 106 of the cartridge 102 for allowing a more discreet usage and protects the delicate glass from the impact of strong surfaces and breakage from accidental falls or other mishaps.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the sleeve 100 includes a plurality of slots 108. In one embodiment, the slots 108 are molded into the body of the sleeve 100. The slots 108 of the sleeve 100 are configured to allow the user 104 (shown in FIG. 1) to check the substance or fluid level in the cartridge 102 without removing the sleeve 100. In one embodiment, the slots 108 are molded into the top and bottom surfaces so they are easier orient upward when the sleeve 100 is fit to the cartridge 102. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 has a slightly tapered shape that provides style, while the ability to stretch allows fitting most cartridges. The sleeve 100 also conceals or disguises the substances within the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) and allowing more discreet use of substances such as, but not limited to, the THC and CBD substances.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 has a thickness of about, but not limited to, 0.100″. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 100 is molded over, but not limited to, 0.375″ mandrel to allow stretching over 0.413″ diameter of the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) of the cartridge 102 (shown in FIG. 3). This gentle interference fit secures the sleeve 100 from slipping off the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) or rotating around during use.

Referring to FIG. 5, the sleeve 100 is molded from brightly colored, room temperature vulcanizing, silicone rubber compound. The sleeve 100 is injected into a closed permanent mold that has 0.375″ (9.5 mm) internal mandrel. After injection into the mold, it is advanced to a slightly elevated room and allowed to cure. After curing, the mold outer housing is opened, and the sleeve 100 is stripped off the internal mandrel. When the sleeve 100 inserted over the 0.413″ diameter glass sleeves, it is stretched a few thousands of an inch, snugly gripping the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) and remaining in place even when harshly used, yet could easily be removed from the depleted cylinder and placed on the next one prior to use. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 resists scrapes, household chemicals, body oils, and perspiration, and has a large temperature range. It cushions the glass cylinder 106 (shown in FIG. 3) from various impacts and improves the user's grip on the product. The inexpensive, brightly colored sleeves could be changed as desired to match, complement, or clash with the color of the rechargeable battery.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cartridge 112 has a capacity of 0.5 ml. In one embodiment, the cartridge 112 has a length of about, but not limited to, 2.04″ and a diameter of about, but not limited to, 0.413″. The cartridge 112 further includes a threading means 110 that mate with a standard 510 thread battery. The rechargeable batteries provide the energy to atomize the substance for inhaling the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1). The cartridge cylinder is made from glass tubing which could be cracked or broken if dropped or handled roughly.

Referring to FIG. 7, the cartridge 114 has a capacity of 1.0 ml. In another embodiment, the cartridge 114 has a length of about, but not limited to, 2.44″ and a diameter of about, but not limited to, 0.413″. The cartridge 114 further includes a threading means 110 that mate with the standard 510 thread battery to atomize the substance for inhaling the user 102 (shown in FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 (shown in FIG. 1) could be used for any cartridge having different lengths. In one embodiment, the sleeve 100 (shown in FIG. 1) could be supplied in at least, but not limited to, 6 standard colors with almost any other vibrant color available for large lot special orders. The 6 standard colors are, but not limited to, yellow, orange, red, black, blue, and green. The cartridge sleeve 100 is designed to be aesthetic and effective in the application. The relative ease of manufacture and the inexpensive components provide good marketability for the manufacturer. The user 104 (shown in FIG. 1) benefits from improved grip and protection from breakage if inadvertently dropped, which should provide considerable market interest in the product.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 

1) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation, comprising: a mouthpiece for the vaporizer; a cartridge to contain the smoking substance; a cartridge sleeve for the cartridge; a heating element to heat the smoking substance; a microprocessor to control the vaporizer. 2) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge sleeve is formed from flexible material. 3) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 2, wherein the cartridge sleeve is formed from silicone rubber. 4) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge is an oil cartridge. 5) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge is, a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cartridge. 6) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a cannabidiol (CBD) cartridge. 7) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the vaporizer includes a battery to power the microprocessor. 8) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 7, wherein the battery is a 510 thread battery. 9) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge sleeve is removably connected to the cartridge. 10) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cartridge sleeve includes a plurality of slots to allow the user to view the cartridge. 11) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the heating element is an atomizer. 12) A vaporizer for atomizing smoking substance for inhalation as in claim 1, wherein the cylinder is formed from glass and the cylinder sleeve is configured to protect the cylinder from damage. 